Text By Shahrif Mohammed Lone
A village with hundreds of households, bordering a beautiful stream on one side and overlooked by ravishing highlands on the other side; a small settlement constituted by a number of families tied to each other by blood: some call it ‘Nehama’, some ‘Nohom’, yet some others call it ‘Nahma’.
Most of the houses are concrete, made of roasted bricks and topped up with colourful rooftops.
The locality is blessed with elders and youngsters who are full of wisdom; who are decisive, ingenious, honest, compassionate and straightforward.
The source of livelihood is predominantly agriculture but most of the families enjoy the privilege of having at least one family member doing a government job. Life is simple but people are satisfied. Simplicity is the reason of their satiety.
‘Faith and devotion brings perpetual bliss,’ says Haji Abdul Rahim, the village Mukdam. Every one looks up to Rahim Kak for his integrity and kindness.
The woman of the village are unmatched in their conviction and hardworking disposition. Apart from looking after the household chores, they too chip in when it comes to agricultural activities. Modesty and resilience are their chosen ornaments.
Though the village has an off location setting , it enjoys the privilege of having a dense market and has almost every basic facility at its disposal which includes a saloon, bakery, meat shop and some departmental and medical stores.
People who are free and people who create leisure for themselves flock all these places where they indulge in mindless chatter and discuss politics glibly.
Though the village is extended over a large area, its residents are like an extended family. What could be termed as a few well-knit families constitutes the village.
People co-operate with each other and always work in synergy. The agricultural activities are like festivals. People work and eat together and therefore it reinforces a sense of belonging in them. People go to each other’s homes which strengthens their ties more.
In the evening neighbours exchange vegetables they have cooked for dinner and they don’t mind exchanging Maaz for Haakh.
All the households have a cow or two and thus have the luxury of the ‘Shud’ milk at their disposal.
The village has a Govt. Higher secondary which is surrounded by a busy shopping complex and enticing buildings of a private High School -Mega Educational Institute.
Read, Learn and Eductate is the slogan elders ask every youngster to raise, remember and implement.
• Shahid Mushtaq is a photographer from Pulwama. He takes interest in nature and street photography. Some of his work on Instagram @Inam35
• Shahrif Mohammed Lone has done his Post-graduation in Political Science and English Literature. He tweets @shahrif_lone
The 3expressive text and images bring a foreigner deep into the cycle of the simple life in Kashmir….the beauty of the land…its abundant gifts…. fertile soil providing agriculture for people who grow fruits and vegetables ……apples…almonds….exchange of vegetables and laughter…..oh what a life to covet …..treasure….honor….die for….
Shahid ….you describe a people whose generosity is well known….hospitality and socialization as important as prayer…..this is a life of worth….as an American I’m jealous….longing for simplicity …..the sound of wind in the chinars…the gurgle of the lakes at the banks….children laughing ….mothers gossiping and telling stories of their children…..
you provide the stranger with the “feel” of the place inviting to the foreigner….although I may never step foot where you are….after reading your essay and seeing the photograohs it feels as if I have been greeted as a friend today….marvelous ….Linn 🌷